Catherine Johnson is a participant in the 2017 Business Professional Practicum from Queensland University of Technology. Catherine is studying a Bachelor of Business.
Q: Why did you decide to undertake the ACICIS program?
I decided to undertake the ACICIS practicum because it was short-term (6 weeks) and fit in to my university schedule (I was able to undertake the ACICIS practicum and receive 12 credit points) while gaining practical experience. I felt as though the practicum would broaden my career prospects and help me gain invaluable skills that I would be able to implement in my degree and also into my future workplace. It also seemed like a great way to network with international professionals and other Australian students.
Q: How will the Professional Practicum benefit or influence your future career?
The professional practicum will benefit my future career because of the opportunity I have been given to intern at the IDX. The placement has given me the ability to compare the Australian and Indonesian work culture and have a deeper understand of what creates an efficient, productive workplace. I have learned independence and networking skills as well as cross-cultural skills (understanding other workplace environments and the ability to adapt to them).
Q: What organisation will you be interning with? (Explain your roles and responsibilities)
The organisation I am interning with is the Indonesia Stock Exchange. My role is within the Listing department and my responsibilities are to assist with the analysis of financial statements, correct the English in the listing regulations and to help with other day-to-day tasks, such as researching certain topics that are later used by the IDX employees. My colleagues that work full-time in the Listing department are responsible for evaluating and monitoring potential listed companies and listed companies.
Q: How have you found the work culture of your host organisation? How is it different to work experience in Australia?
I found the work culture at the Indonesia Stock Exchange to be very enjoyable. In comparison to my work experience in Australia, I believe there is more emphasis placed on the social aspect within Indonesian workplaces. For example, in Indonesia there is a lot of importance placed on getting to know the people you work with. I believe this is very important as it assists in building and maintaining both friendships and strong working relationships with your colleagues.
Q: What do you like to do in your spare time in Indonesia?
I enjoy going for walks down Jl. Senopati as it has lots of bars, cafés and restaurants to visit. I also enjoy travelling on the weekends to explore other areas of Indonesia. 🙂
Q: Would you like to return to work in Indonesia again in future?
Definitely. Indonesia is an amazing place to work and from my experience, everyone is very friendly and welcoming so I wouldn’t hesitate to work in Indonesia if the opportunity arose.
Q: Favourite Indonesian food?
Nasi Goreng
Q: Favourite Indonesian word/phrase?
Sama-sama.
Pagi.
Q: Favourite place to eat?
Cubbyhole (closing soon though)
Q: What places in Indonesia have you visited during your practicum so far?
Bogor, Yogyakarta, Bandung.